The Do’s and Don’ts for Using Marijuana in College

It’s back-to-school time and young students are just settling in at college. Some of you newly minted freshmen will probably find yourselves contemplating cannabis while on campus. But, before you light up, let’s review some do’s and don’ts when it comes to getting high as part of your higher education.

Do: Know that while not everyone smokes pot, you’re not alone.

College is a time for experimentation, so it's no surprise that 700,000 college students smoke pot on an average day. That may sound like a lot, but keep in mind that it’s out of 9 million full-time students across the U.S. It’s also less than the 1 in 3 college students that self-report binge-drinking within the past month.

Don’t: Allow cannabis to take over your daily life.

While it might be tempting to be stoned 24-7, try to curb that urge. Not being able to get through your day without being constantly high is a sign that you may have a problem. Most college freshmen are living on their own for the first time, so some experimentation is completely understandable, but when that turns into missed classes, incomplete homework, passing up chances to socialize with friends, and more, you might want to reconsider your current lifestyle.

Do: Know what’s in your weed.

If you don’t have a secure method of buying cannabis, you can never be to sure what’s in yours. Anything from glass shards to pesticides can impact your enjoyment of it. Make sure to either thoroughly vet your source or your purchase before using.

Don’t: Be a crappy roommate.

Not everyone likes to get high, and that’s totally cool! So, make sure to check in with your roommate before you go sparking up in your shared living space. If they’re not OK with the smell of burning flower, don’t be a dick and smoke up anyway. Head to a friend’s room, go outside, or use a vape pen with the window open or a candle burning—it never hurts to make a college dorm room smell pleasant!

Do: Know the drug laws for your school, city, and state.

If you are going to smoke marijuana, do yourself a favor and learn about the potential consequences of getting caught. Even if you have a medical card, odds are that you won’t be allowed to spark a joint in your dorm room. Make sure to find out your school’s drug policy to avoid being kicked out of the dorms or the school. NORML is a great resource to find out more about laws in various states and what to do if you are caught with an illegal substance.